The Call

(Old English)

Hwaer cwóm helm? hwaer cwóm byrne?
Hwaer cwóm feax flówende?
Hwaer cwóm hand on hearpestrenge?
Hwær cwóm scír fyyr scínende?
Hwaer cwóm lencten and hærfest?
Hwaer cwóm héah corn weaxende?
Hwá gegaderath wuduréc of
wealdholte byrnende?
Oththe gesiehth of gársecge
thá gear gewendende?

Where is the helm and the hauberk,
and the bright hair flowing?
Where is the hand on the harp string,
and the red fire glowing?
where is the spring and the harvest
and the tall corn growing?
Who shall gather the smoke of
the dead wood burning?
Or behold the flowing years
from the Sea returning?